THREE local families proudly accepted honours on behalf of the loved ones gave the precious gift of life last year through organ donation.

Kevin McMylor, from Oldham, received the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation on behalf of his sister, Bernadette McMylor at a moving private ceremony at Chetham School of Music.

Also receiving the accolade was Christine Squibbs, also from Oldham, on behalf of her husband Terence Squibbs and Anthony Mirdad, from Mossley, who received the award on behalf of his partner, Denise Hainsworth.

They are among 18 families in Greater Manchester - and hundreds nationally - to receive the posthumous honour, which is run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant, to recognise the 1,574 people who donated their organs after death last year, leading to thousands of patients' lives being saved or transformed.

During 2017/18, thanks to the generosity of these donors and the support of their families, the number of deceased donors in the UK went up from 1,413 to 1,574, a rise of 11per cent and the highest number ever in the UK.

According to NHS Blood and Transplant there are now more than 25m people on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

However, there are still around 6,100 people on the UK transplant waiting list and around three people die each day in need of an organ.

NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for people in Greater Manchester to be inspired by the actions of the donors honoured at this ceremony.

Everyone in the UK is urged to tell their family they want to save lives through organ donation with the message: One day it could be someone you love, or even you, in need of a transplant.

Tony Shepherd, head of County Priory Group Affairs for the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Organ Donor Awards for a sixth year and to meet the inspirational families attending the ceremonies.

"Organ donation can clearly save lives and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have already donated their organs to save other people’s lives.

“People are still dying every day because some families are not talking about donation. We hope the example set by the organ donors whose lives we are honouring in Greater Manchester encourages many others to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. It only takes two minutes to join the millions of other people who want to save lives.”

Anthony Clarkson, interim director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The pride families feel at these ceremonies is inspirational.

"Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes. This award is a chance for us all to recognise their bravery and generosity, and their amazing contribution to society.

“More and more people are supporting organ donation but there is still an urgent shortage of donors.

"We hope these awards will inspire other people in Greater Manchester to tell their families they want to save lives.

"Telling your family what you want makes things easier at a difficult time. Families tell us donation is a source of pride that helps families in their grieving process and we don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to donate.

“Please join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk and tell your family you want to save lives through organ donation.”

The award memento features the organ donation heart logo backed by the Maltese Cross - which is used by the Order of St John - above the words ‘add life, give hope’.

The award can be received at a regional ceremony or sent to the family privately.

This is the sixth year the awards have been made and they are open to people of all faiths or of no faith.

For more information on their 'Words Save Lives campaign and to join the millions of people that have told their family they want to be an organ donor go to www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.